Trace



(No- Model.)

I. B. MARTIN.

' TRACE.

' No. 501,252. Patented July 11, 1893-.

UNITED STATES PATENT FFICE.

IVSON B. MARTIN, OF MURRAY, KENTUCKY.

TRACE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 501,252, dated. July 11,1893;

Application filed December 20, 1892. Serial No. 455,758- (Ilo model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, IvsoN B. MARTIN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Murray, in the county of Galloway and State of Kentucky, have invented a new and useful Trace, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to traces, and has for its object to provide a simple and convenient construction in connection therewith, whereby the same may be quickly and easily attached and detached, and when attached be perfectly secure in connection with the singletree button or hook; with this object in view, the invention consists of the construction and arrangement of the parts as will be hereinafter more fully described and claimed.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a singletree, showing traces attached thereto and embodying the invention, said traces being broken away in part. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a trace detached and on a larger scale, showing the improvement in connection therewith.

Similar numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts in both the figures.

Referring to the drawings, the numeral 1 designates a singletree having buttons or hooks 2 arranged transversely across the ends thereof and in vertical plan es, that are adapted to be engaged by traces 3, having key-hole slots 4 at the rearends thereof that are arranged at an angle of inclination to the longitudinal length of the trace and also to the line of draft. As shown, the key-hole slot 4: in each trace-end is arranged at a downward and forward angle, and thereover is placed a wear-plate 5, having a similar slot therein that aligns therewith, and by this means the slots in the trace-ends are prevented from tearing out or breaking away, and the-wear of the hook or button on the singletree end is brought to bear on the outer surface of said wear-plate and friction or wear and tear on the material of the trace direct is avoided. In applying the trace to the hook or button 2 on either side of the singletree it is turned at an angle so that the slot 4 will align with the said button or hook 2 in order that the latter may be freely passed therethrough, and when the trace is allowed to resume its normal position the said button or hook will stand across the slot and thereby provide a firm securement and obviate an accidental disengagement of the trace from the singletree. This form of trace is especially adapted for buggies and carriages, or light road-wagons, but if found desirable it may be readily used in connection with heavier vehicles. Owing to the simplicity of construction of the several parts the trace can be cheaply manufactured and sold at a small cost, with the additional advantage arising from the arrangement of the slot therein.

By means of the arrangement of the slots 4, as heretofore set forth, it is only necessary to partially turn the trace in order to make a connection with the hooks or buttons of a singletree; and further, the angle of the slots insures a bearing at the lower end thereof. This last advantage is especially beneficial in view of the fact that the traces, at their rear ends, are not permitted to slide over the buttons or hooks; and further, the buttons or hooks cannot readily pass through the slots because the major bearing thereof is at the lower parts of said slots and there is no danger of the traces becoming accidentally disconnected, or the requirement of other fastening means.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new is' The herein described reinforced trace having a slot at the rear end of the same which extends obliquely across the longitudinal line of the said trace and has its front end elevated and its rear end depressed, and which is adapted to be mounted over a stationary button or hook on the end of the singletree which is positioned at a right angle to the longitudinal length of the trace that is applied thereto, substantially as described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

IVSON B. MARTIN. Witnesses:

CONN LINN, Gr. O. DIUGUID. 

